Chattanooga Cares, which provides services to those impacted by impacted by HIV, Hepatitis C and STIs, has bought a medical office building at the corner of Central Avenue and E. Third Street as its first permanent location.
The agency had been leasing space at various sites since it was started in 1986.
Chattanooga Cares paid $1,875,000 to Jimmy and Dr. Molly Seal for the two-story Professional Building.
The agency is currently in leased space just up Third Street at the three-story Medical Towers.
Cory Howard, director of development and communication, said the group will remain in that space until fall of next year as its lease does not expire until then. It will be carrying out renovations of its new site in the meantime.
Dr. Seal will remain in her current location through September of next year, it was stated.
A medical tower had once been projected at that location across from Erlanger's main campus, but that deal was never finalized.
Mr. Howard said Chattanooga Cares was running out of space at the current location. He said at the new site it will be able to expand services and add more staff. It currently has 38 on staff.
He said the agency had been able to set aside funds for the purchase.
Mr. Howard said a new Chattanooga Cares Foundation is being formed in conjunction with the move.